Jimbo's Jots

I miss my dad! I think about him often. When my son-in-law shows me a house project or something he’s working on with his hands, I usually tell him that Pawpaw would be excited about this. This July 13 will mark the 11 year anniversary since his death.

Now I could tell you all of the things I that loved about my dad. I could, but I also wanted to see what others would say about dad-like traits. So, I put it out on Facebook, “what is one characteristic you have seen in someone that makes them a good father?”

Here are some of the responses:

• Apologetic when wrong
• Listening
• Faithfulness to God and family
• Leading by example
• A servant
• Good sense of humor
• Patience in teaching
• Loving God and showing that to their family
• Support regardless of life choices
• Unconditional love to wife and children
• Availability
• On call even though “I’m grown up!”

These are all great descriptions of what a dad figure looks like from our eyes. Then I think about this text, Jesus uses to illustrate the character of God. (Disclaimer: Jesus had a sense of humor! Firmly believe it!! That’s why I love this text!)

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:9-12, NIV)

If I learned anything from my dad and from my friends describing characteristics they see in a father and looking at what Jesus said, it is that God is far more! The phrase, HOW MUCH MORE, has always stuck with me. Trying to emulate God-like traits in my life can seem futile when you compare yourself to God, but what an awesome example to follow.

To you dads (uncles, brothers, grandfathers) out there, learn something from God the Father. The traits you see in the list above are great qualities in fathers – they are also seen in God. So let God be seen in your life to all you come in contact with.

Be blessed and be a blessing!